Definitely change the ATF, filter, pan gasket.
See our ATF List for which transmission you have and the right fluid to use.

 

Thanks! I’ll make sure its done... how genuine are the risks associated with a fluid change? I’ve come across some stories of big problems after changing it.

 

Make sure you can remove the fill plug before you start draining....ask me how I know lol.

Also, it is a good idea to purchase an extra fill and drain plug in case you have issues removing them.

 

Can't stress enough how important it is to follow proper procedure including temp control. Do not listen to garage "specialists", find related tread with loads of info, and you will be fine. And do not race car immediately after fluid change, drive moderately, give fresh ATF time to wash things inside transmission, to avoid washed out piece of gunk clogging some passes or solenoids.
Important - for ZF transmission (cannot say for GM) oil pan bolts are Torx 27, make sure you have right size socket.

 

5HP19 Transmission fluid level procedures: The CTSC

 

Be advised that BMW sourced automatic transmissions from GM of France and ZF of Germany. They are totally different transmissions. The GM box uses Dexron3 or Dexron6. The ZF box uses a fluid made by Pentosin. The GM box’s fluid pan has smooth sides. The ZF box’s fluid pan is ribbed.

 

Ok markus, you’ve posted this a bunch of times and I gotta tell you, the GM transmission does NOT take Dexron III. Dexron VI is the right fluid and recommended by GM themselves.

The ZF fluid needs to have the LT71141 moniker. I linked our official ATF thread in post #2 above, which has all the info OP needs.

 

Dex 6 please.

 

While you're in there you should upgrade the pressure regulator... long story short the OE one will wear into the bore walls and let pressure seep by. This is regarded as the cause of many AT failures in our cars. I did mine a 60k as well.

Explanation:

Pressure regulator: Transgo ZF 5HP19 Transmission Upgraded Pressure Regulator BMW VW (SK5HP19-PR)* | eBay

 

Got to a local BMW specialist today. Got a quote I’m happy with and its going in next week to get some fresh fluid!
Looking to get some more tools so I can do work myself, but wanted to get this done ASAP.

 

Got to a local BMW specialist today. Got a quote I’m happy with and its going in next week to get some fresh fluid!
Looking to get some more tools so I can do work myself, but wanted to get this done ASAP.

Which transmission does your car have, GM or ZF?
Which fluid will they use?

 

I'm surprised the dealership would even attempt. I'd choose the independent as long as they have experience.

Dealers don't. I've rescued countless transmissions that the dealership said a replacement trans was the only fix.

 

Exactly! Problems with dealers is they mostly deal with warranty cars or relatively new ones, first owner, when cost is either paid by insurance/ under warranty. And at this age of cars there are not many problems appear, so dealership simply doesn't have an experience!
For transmission they suppose to charge you something like 100$ for oil gasket and filter, and something like 150 $ for 7 liters of ATF and another 200 for 3 hours of labour (not as it is that much of time required, but their system would calculate that way).Ans as they have to do it by the book,they will add another 100 $ for a set of new pan bolts ( not necessity unless they are damaged, but they usually do replace them. And you pay). 340 Pounds is about 450 USD, right?
For independant specialist 160 pounds sounds realistic, although I don't think they will replace pan bolts, they will also probably use cheaper ATF fluid - not a problem, at all, as long as it is within spec.
Just make sure they will put your car on lift in the evening and perform final stage of topping oil up in the morning, with car cold, otherwise you will have your transmission underfilled GUARANTEED. So although work itself takes pretty much an hour, it simply cannot be done on the spot.

 

I can fill a trans full if lukewarm, albeit it comes from experience and very fast hands to get the fill plug on when it's gushing out.

For the DIY, I agree with you.

 

For the ZF transmissions they were filled with ZF Lifeguard 5. # S671 090 170 (83 22 9 407 807)
Likely supplied to them by Fuchs. They have told me such in a round about way, but can't say on the record. (Many of the fluids in BMW's are filled by Fuchs BTW)

As for the GM French transmissions:
It was originally filled with Texaco ETL.
After the dealers had a hard time sourcing the fluid, there was an advance parts bulletin directing parts & service to top up and/or fill with Dexron 6.
This was long ago.

For those of you that own newer cars with the ZF 8 speed (there are MANY marques/makes using such) the Lifeguard 8 fluid is ridiculously expensive. Making service very cost prohibitive. (ZF calls for 100,000 KM) The good news is that ZF Lifeguard 9 is about 1/2 the price, compatible and has more anti-foam agents applied inside.
After a discussion in a ZF class it's 100% compatible for most of the ZF 8 Speeds. Albeit I'm unsure about the Mopar versions.